Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) is committed to providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need. The university offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. WLU offers a wide variety of scholarships, including:
- Entrance scholarships: Awarded to incoming students based on their high school grades and extracurricular activities.
- In-course scholarships: Awarded to current students based on their academic performance.
- Need-based scholarships: Awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Grants
Grants are similar to scholarships, but they do not need to be repaid. WLU offers a variety of grants, including:
- Need-based grants: Awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
- Government grants: Awarded to students who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Loans
Loans must be repaid after you graduate. WLU offers a variety of loans, including:
- Government loans: Guaranteed by the Canadian government and have low interest rates.
- Bank loans: Offered by banks and credit unions. Interest rates vary depending on the lender.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at WLU, you must complete the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) application. The OSAP application is available online at https://osap.gov.on.ca.
The OSAP application deadline is June 30th for the fall term and November 15th for the winter term.
Financial Aid Deadlines
The following table lists the financial aid deadlines for the 2022-2023 academic year:
| Deadline | OSAP Application Deadline | WLU Financial Aid Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | June 30th | August 15th |
| Winter Term | November 15th | January 15th |
Tips and Tricks
- Apply for financial aid early. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive financial assistance.
- Complete the OSAP application accurately. Errors on your application could delay your financial aid.
- Keep track of your financial aid deadlines. Missing a deadline could result in you losing your financial aid.
- Contact the WLU Financial Aid Office if you have any questions. The Financial Aid Office is there to help you navigate the financial aid process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not applying for financial aid. Many students assume that they will not qualify for financial aid. However, WLU offers a variety of financial aid programs, and many students are eligible for assistance.
- Applying for financial aid late. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive financial assistance.
- Not completing the OSAP application accurately. Errors on your application could delay your financial aid.
- Missing financial aid deadlines. Missing a deadline could result in you losing your financial aid.
- Not contacting the WLU Financial Aid Office if you have any questions. The Financial Aid Office is there to help you navigate the financial aid process.
FAQs
Q: What is the average financial aid award at WLU?
A: The average financial aid award at WLU is $6,000.
Q: What percentage of WLU students receive financial aid?
A: Approximately 60% of WLU students receive financial aid.
Q: What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
A: The OSAP application deadline is June 30th for the fall term and November 15th for the winter term. The WLU financial aid deadline is August 15th for the fall term and January 15th for the winter term.
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: To apply for financial aid at WLU, you must complete the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) application. The OSAP application is available online at https://osap.gov.on.ca.
Q: What is the difference between a scholarship, a grant, and a loan?
A: Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Grants are similar to scholarships, but they do not need to be repaid. Loans must be repaid after you graduate.
Q: Where can I get more information about financial aid at WLU?
A: You can contact the WLU Financial Aid Office at 519-884-0710 x2386 or by email at [email protected].
